EditorialPier 57 process raises same questions of TrustIn a highly politically charged process, the Hudson River Park Trust last week selected the Witkoff/Cipriani team to redevelop Pier 57, a former marine and aviation pier, into a new event space and destination spot on the Chelsea waterfront.Trees must not be cut without a good reasonThe large-scale tree-clearance project in East River Park has come as a shock to park-users. More than 100 trees are being felled, according to the Parks Department, either because they would not survive the repairs to the parks promenade deck, or because they are unhealthy.

Notebook

Villager photos by Jefferson SiegelOn Washington Sq. S., following the popes death, Father John McGuire, director of the Catholic Center at New York University, had the staff fly the papal flag at half-mast.Goodbye, father to us all: Koch on John Paul IIBy Ed Koch
Regardless of ones own religious tradition, Pope John Paul II was the worlds preeminent religious leader.
It is also fair to say that the preeminent religious leader in New York City is the cardinal archbishop of New York, whomever he may be. Going back to the 1950s that would include Francis Cardinal Spellman, who was seen as a great source of political power in the city; Terence Cardinal Cooke, who was genuinely liked and respected by everyone who knew him and seen as a great source of spiritual power; John Cardinal OConnor, who was truly loved and respected by most who knew him and seen as a great source of spiritual and political power  I loved him  and to this day, I keep his Mass card on my desk; and Edward Cardinal Egan, respected and admired.

Defending the faithEast Village photographer Q. Sakamaki recently returned from the West Bank and Gaza where for three weeks he documented Israeli settlements in light of Israels plans to pull the settlers out of Gaza this summer.

Sports

Rain, rain go away: Little Leaguers ready to playBy Judith Stiles
In spite of the lousy weather, the New York Yankees began their 2005 season, and Greenwich Village Little League is not far behind, with their first games scheduled to begin in a few days . . .if only it doesnt rain.

"Serving West and East Village, Chelsea, SoHo, NoHo, Little Italy, Chinatown and the Lower East Side"

Inside the VillagerTrust goes with Leo; Cipriani wins Pier 57 bidBy Albert Amateau
The Hudson River Park Trust board of directors last week chose the Witkoff/Cipriani Organization to be the designated redeveloper of Pier 57 over the rival Chelsea Piers, following the recommendations of the Trust staff, West Side elected officials and the local Pier 57 Working Group.

No sequel for the Book Country Fair in Wash. Sq.By Amanda Kludt
New York Is Book Country, the nonprofit group that runs the annual book fair in the fall, has disbanded as a nonprofit. Its future is unknown as it is reported the group is negotiating a possible sponsorship from the New York Times.

Committee to vote on square plan this time, reallyBy Lincoln Anderson
Although comments made by the Community Board 2 chairperson last month raised an alarm among some park advocates that the boards Parks Committee would not be voting on a resolution on the Washington Sq. Park refurbishment plan, it now appears a resolution will likely be voted on  and perhaps passed  at the committees April meeting.

Villager photo by Talisman Brolin

Carl Rosenstein in front of politically themed poster at his Puffin Room gallery that Mayor Bloombergs spokesperson blew the whistle on when the gallery was used as a poll site on Election Day.

Art and politics dont mix, as gallery is pulled as pollBy Albert AmateauThe Board of Elections has eliminated the only voting place in Soho and is searching for an alternative site after a decision that Democrats say has abridged the First Amendment right to free speech and that Republicans say makes sure that citizens are not subject to illegal electioneering at the polls.

Beard Foundation feels board has right ingredientsBy Albert Amateau
The James Beard Foundation, headquartered in the Village home of the late guru of American cuisine, last week completed the restructuring of its board of trustees as a step in the recovery from the scandal last year involving misuse of foundation funds by its former president.

Bicyclists have an axe to grind over lock-cuttingBy Lincoln Anderson
Critical Mass bike riders are protesting that police did not give them summonses. Thats what happened  or, rather, didnt happen  when the cyclists went to retrieve their confiscated bicycles at a Police Department warehouse in Greenpoint last Friday and this Monday.

Shifting gears, Angels to close shop, focus on WebBy Mary Reinholz
A realtors sign in the window of an East Village clothing boutique operated by the New York City Hells Angels and their associates for two years announces that the store on 102 St. Marks Pl. is up for rent, an apparent victim of gentrification in a once gritty neighborhood.

A crafty Bedford St. cafe really gets to the pointBy Bonnie Rosenstock
When Helane Blumfields life was hanging by a thread, she took up knitting. Even though she came from a family of master knitters, and her mother had tried to teach her for years, she never warmed to the idea. Blumfield preferred to crochet, but how she finally learned to knit was unfortunate, she recalls.

University gives back to the community in many waysBy Amanda Kludt
New York University, a major force in Greenwich Village with its over 30,000 students, major real estate holdings and often contentious local influence is using its immense size and resources to give back to the community through its extensive community service programs. Over 4,000 students and hundreds of faculty and staff take part in the countless volunteer opportunities the university offers throughout the year.

Pro bono means pro in one councilmembers officeBy Claire F. Hamilton
The shortcomings of city legislation rouse volunteers to get involved in parks and public schools in an effort to make a difference. But suppose one could go straight to the source of public policy? At Alan Gersons Council District 1 office across the street from City Hall, volunteers not only work with the community at large, they are also a key cog in the political operations of the councilmembers office.

Settlements still lend, and need, a helping handBy Nancy Reardon
The settlement house tradition played a crucial role in urban social reform movements at the turn of the century, but here in New York City, these centers are much more than relics of the past. They continue their missions today, still reaching out to the community with evolved programs for children, seniors, the homeless and immigrants.

For podiatrist, aiding homeless is a selfless featBy Josie Garthwaite
Dr. Robert S. Adelmans work as a podiatrist is hardly glamorous. But then, when has glamour been charitable to the human foot? With nearly 30 years of experience treating aches, wounds, diseases and infections from the ankle down, Dr. Adelman has learned that those most in need of his care are often those least equipped to pay. Its not a merciless, sky-high heel that plagues these patients, but unforgiving sidewalks, complications with diabetes, environmental stress, old age, poor diet and limited access to fresh socks and properly fitted shoes.

The redcoats are here, and theyre recruitingBy Malka Percal
Its early morning, and a troop of stalwart young people floods Washington Sq. Park. More than 100 strong, they are outfitted in khaki pants and red jackets. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning they drill in the park, dispatching an assortment of jumping jacks, stretches and lunges. Then they shout out slogans that have no meaning to anyone but themselves. Theyre the foot soldiers of City Year New York, and they want to change the world.

Arts in the VillagerNon-linear lineageBy Brian McCormick
Neil Greenberg is perhaps best known for his award-winning Not About AIDS Dance, created in 1994 in response to the deaths of his brother Jon and friends and in which he disclosed his own positive status to his audiences. In this and subsequent works, Greenberg has incorporated written text as a way to humanize his performers, and provide entry into the dances deeper meaning.

Capturing the local folkBy Aileen Torres
Michael Grossman Rimbaud, né Michael Grossman, son of the illustrious illustrator Robert Grossman (whose political satires have appeared in the New York Observer, the New York Times and the New Yorker) considers himself an ex-expatriate.

Village boy still performing and engravingBy Jerry Tallmer
The kid who had won the 1979 Drama Award at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn figured that engraving was a great way to avoid waiting on tables while pursuing an acting career in Manhattan. And there was more money in it, he allows.

Film

Jeannies got a gunBy Jerry Tallmer
Norma Jean, Jean, and Jeanne. Before there was Marilyn Monroe there was Jean Harlow, and before her there was Jeanne Eagels. Eagels was primarily a stage actress and the other two were motion-picture actresses, but they all symbolized somethingsomething blonde and bad and beddable, and they all died youngMonroe at 36, Harlow at 26, Eagels at 35.

Schizo (+) This movie will have limited appeal. It is an anthropological film depicting life in the former Soviet Republic of Kazakhstan, now an independent state. The film opens in a doctors office where Schizo (Olzhas Nusuppaev), a Mongolian boy is being examined for brain damage.Melinda and Melinda (-) Botched and not worth your seeing. Of course, the diehard Woody Allen devotees will flock to the film as they always do to all of his films. Historically, I have gone to see his films through the years, long before I became a movie critic, and I am certain I will continue to do that, critic or not.